Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Born | January 10, 1961 Rome, Italy |
| Genres | Classical music |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, author |
| Instruments | Violin |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Labels | EMI, Nonesuch, NSS Music |
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, born on January 10, 1961, is a famous Italian and American classical violinist and teacher. She is known for her exciting performances and unique style.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Start
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg was born in Rome, Italy. When she was eight years old, she moved to the United States with her mother. They settled in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Nadja studied music at the Curtis Institute of Music. She also learned from the famous teacher Dorothy DeLay at the Juilliard School of Music and the Aspen Music Festival and School.
Amazing Career Highlights
Early Achievements
In 1981, Nadja made history by becoming the youngest person ever to win a prize in the Walter W. Naumburg International Violin Competition. The next year, in 1982, she performed as a soloist with the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts in Central Park, New York. She received an Avery Fisher Career Grant in 1983. Later, in 1999, she was given the Avery Fisher Prize for her "outstanding achievement and excellence in music."
Writing and Documentaries
Nadja also shared her story in a book for children. In 1989, she wrote Nadja: On My Way, which tells about her journey. In May 1999, she received a special honorary degree from New Mexico State University. Her life was also featured in a documentary film called Speaking in Strings. This film was even nominated for an Academy Award in 2000.
Overcoming Challenges
In 1994, Nadja had a serious accident while preparing Christmas dinner. She badly injured her left little finger. Doctors were able to reattach her fingertip, and it took six months to heal. During that time, she bravely continued to perform. She changed how she played her music so she could use only three fingers. After her finger healed, she went through a very difficult time. However, she kept performing and inspiring many people with her music.
Musical Collaborations and Recordings
In 2003, Nadja performed a brand new piece of music. It was Sérgio Assad's Triple Concerto, which featured a violin, two guitars, and an orchestra. She played it with the Assad brothers and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. This same piece was later recorded in 2009.
Nadja has released many recordings with well-known music labels like Angel/EMI Classics and Nonesuch. In 2005, she even started her own music label called NSS Music. She has performed with orchestras all over the world and even played at the White House. She has also shared the stage with popular artists such as Mandy Patinkin and Joe Jackson. She often performs with pianist Anne-Marie McDermott.
Leading an Orchestra
In 2008, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg was chosen to be the Music Director for the New Century Chamber Orchestra. She signed a three-year contract for this important role. She managed this job while also continuing her solo career and running her record label.
In 2013, it was announced that American composer Samuel Jones was writing a special violin concerto just for her. In 2015, Nadja joined Loyola University New Orleans as a Resident Artist, sharing her knowledge with students. She continues to perform with many symphonies, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Nadja plays a very special violin made by Pietro Giovanni Guarneri in 1721. It is known as the "Miss Beatrice Lutyens, ex Cte de Sasserno, Cremona 1721."
On TV and More
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg has appeared on television many times. She was a guest on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson several times. She was also featured on 60 Minutes in 1986, and a follow-up story aired in 1999. In 2001, she even appeared as herself in an episode of the TV show Dharma & Greg.
